As simple as plain English?

We all want to get our message across – to change behaviour, to increase understanding, to make a difference. Or all three.

When sustainability is your goal, the stakes are high. As communicators, we’re often fighting against the myths and misconceptions as well as the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the bigger issues.

All before we even look at how our audience wants to be communicated with.

Where are the sustainability-related style guides? How do we stop the ‘fuel poverty’ and ‘energy solutions’ muddying the waters of our clear community conversations?

Sustainability Victoria published its recycling hit list and named some of the worst offenders when discussing waste and recycling. And the Oxford-based Climate Outreach often includes language recommendations in its research resources (like this example on avoiding the term fuel poverty when talking with social housing tenants about energy saving).